Government Puts Artificial Intelligence on the Agenda

Government Puts Artificial Intelligence on the Agenda

27th Feb 16:09

The government digital strategy (GDS) will set out funding proposals to support the development of robotics and Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies.

The strategy will be launched by the Department for Media, Culture and Sport (DCMS) and will include plans for several initiatives to support the growth of AI in the UK. It will be launched on 1st March.

The initiatives will include a review of AI, led by Dame Wendy Hall, professor of computer science at the University of Southampton and Jérôme Pesenti CEO of Benevolent Tech.

The review will also explore how government and industry can join forces, which could ultimately lead to a “sector deal”.

The government will also announce a £17.3m funding from the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research council to support the development of robotics and AI in universities.

Karen Bradley, culture secretary, said the UK is already a pioneer in today’s Artificial Intelligence revolution and that the strategy "will build on our strengths to make sure UK-based scientists, researchers and entrepreneurs continue to be at the forefront”.

She added: “Technologies like AI have the potential to transform how we live, work, travel and learn.“It’s great that government and industry will be working together to drive growth in the sector, to realise all the economic and social benefits for the UK.”